Final decision on constitutional amendments after Imran Khan’s directions: Gohar

We exchanged pleasantries with Bilawal at Fazl’s residence, but there was no conversation on draft, says PTI chairman

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said on Friday that a consensus has been nearly reached with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman regarding the 26th Constitutional Amendment, and a final announcement will be made after consultations with PTI founder Imran Khan.

Speaking to the media following a meeting with Maulana Fazlur Rehman in Islamabad, Barrister Gohar explained that PTI held a meeting with its allies, including the JUI-F chief, to discuss the constitutional amendments. He stated that there was a strong possibility of reaching an agreement during the previous talks, and Friday's meeting further solidified that understanding.

"We are still in talks. Once we finalise our position, we will seek Imran Khan’s instructions. Today, we will request a meeting with him, and we aim to meet him tomorrow. Based on his directives, we will announce our final stance," Barrister Gohar said.

He added that significant progress was made in the discussions with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, bringing them closer to an agreement. "We had a detailed discussion with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and we are nearly at a consensus," he noted.

Barrister Gohar also mentioned that representatives from both PTI and JUI-F participated in the Special Parliamentary Committee discussions on the amendment. PTI was represented by Aamir Dogar, while JUI-F also had its representatives present. The committee approved the draft amendment, which formed the basis for negotiations between PTI and JUI-F.

"We are hopeful that tomorrow, after receiving directions from Imran Khan, we will make a final announcement. For now, we have almost reached an agreement with Maulana Fazlur Rehman, which we will present to Imran Khan and share his guidance tomorrow," he said.

Responding to a question, Barrister Gohar clarified that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also made an appearance during the meeting. Although Bilawal greeted everyone, there was no discussion on the draft amendment with him. "Bilawal Bhutto arrived, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman gave him time. We exchanged pleasantries, but there was no conversation on the draft," he stated.

The PTI delegation met with Maulana Fazlur Rehman at his residence to discuss the proposed amendments. The delegation included Barrister Gohar, Omar Ayub, Asad Qaiser, Salman Akram Raja, Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, and Sahibzada Hamid Raza.

Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto arrived at Maulana Fazlur Rehman's residence as the PTI delegation concluded their meeting. He was accompanied by PPP leaders Naveed Qamar, Murtaza Wahab, and Jameel Soomro. On Fazlur Rehman’s side, Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and Maulana Attaur Rehman were present.

Both leaders, Bilawal Bhutto and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, exchanged views on the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment during their separate meeting.

This meeting comes amid significant political dialogue, as parties attempt to reach an agreement on the proposed amendments, which are expected to play a key role in Pakistan's future political framework.